BERGEN COUNTY MOMS

ReFocus Eye Health at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center As backpacks are packed, schedules fill up, and families prepare for a new school year, there is one important health check that is often overlooked: a comprehensive eye exam. Many vision problems develop gradually, making them easy to miss. Children may not realize they aren’t seeing clearly because they assume everyone sees the world the same way they do. Instead of complaining about their vision, they may struggle to c

Life can feel overwhelming, and you don't have to navigate it alone. Whether you're a parent balancing the demands of family life, a mom experiencing burnout, a couple working through relationship challenges, a family facing a difficult transition, or an individual struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or self-criticism, support is available. Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people develop greater self-compassion, reduce e

Weekend Events Aug 7 - Aug 9, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. Free Summer Concert Series in Bergen County These free concerts run weekly throughout the summer: Ridgewood – Kasschau Memorial Shell (Veterans Memorial Field) – Tuesdays & Thursdays Kasschau Memorial Shell Hackensack – Hackensack Green (Downtown) – Summer Concert Series Bergenfield – Veterans Memorial Park – Weekly Summer Concerts Veterans Memori

Soon enough, little red raspberries will be popping up on our beloved raspberry bushes at HealthBarn USA, and we can’t wait! Not only are raspberries delicious, but they’re also an excellent source of dietary fiber, the antioxidant vitamin C, and the mineral manganese, as well as a good source of vitamin K, which helps keep blood oxygenated. A lot of nutrition for a little berry! While fresh-picked raspberries are sweet-tart, juicy, and irresistible just as they are, there

Summer has a funny way of slowing us down. Maybe you're sitting on the porch, relaxing at the beach, or sharing a glass of wine with friends. Maybe your adult kids are home for the weekend. Whatever your summer looks like, you suddenly have something that's hard to find the rest of the year: Time. As a financial advisor, I've learned something after decades of working with women through marriages, divorces, retirements, and the loss of parents. The most important financial d

What is a Spotted Lanternfly? The spotted lanternfly, also known as lycorma delicatula, is a bothersome planthopper originally found in China, India, and Vietnam. In 2014, they were discovered for the first time in the United States. When not in flight, they are gray with black spots, but when they open their wings, their red and black hind wings and black and yellow abdomen become visible. Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle: The spotted lanternfly takes less than a year to go fro

By Dr. Karen Hart & Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti We all look forward to the summer, but as most moms know, it’s not all fun and games. Sunburns, poison ivy, tick-borne illness are seasonal hazards, and now we can add a cyclospora outbreak. Just what we all needed! Foodborne illnesses frequently occur this time of year, and this summer, cyclospora is the parasite of the moment. Cyclospora can cause watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite and low grade-temperatu

Do you ever see yourself as a failure? If we must use this word, let's give it new meaning. What about a "learning experience" or an "opportunity to grow?" You're not a failure. Things just didn't turn out the way you planned. Whether it's outside events or inner turmoil and attitudes, making mistakes is part of growing and growing up. Our kids could really benefit from a change in language and attitude from us. The word 'failure' has such negative, critical energy attached t

FREE Webinar for New & Expecting Parents on July 30 Welcoming a baby brings immense joy, but it also brings a wave of challenges that catch many moms completely off guard. If you’re quietly navigating postpartum anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by mental health struggles, or dealing with the frustrating reality of pelvic floor issues that no one really warned you about, we see you, and you are not alone. To give you the real, compassionate support you deserve, the Lukin Center fo

This truly perfect recipe is one of the all-time favorites at HealthBarn. “It’s so good” says one of our taste-testers, “that you want to eat it again and again!” The tofu reduces the unhealthy saturated fat you’ll find in most frozen dessert bars and makes this a must-have chocolate-y after-school or summer snack. Ingredients: 3 ounces of semisweet chocolate bar ½ cup silken light tofu, drained ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 5 ripe but firm medium bananas 15 wooden ice cre

Weekend Events July 24 - July 26, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. Free Summer Concert Series in Bergen County These free concerts run weekly throughout the summer: Ridgewood – Kasschau Memorial Shell (Veterans Memorial Field) – Tuesdays & Thursdays Kasschau Memorial Shell Hackensack – Hackensack Green (Downtown) – Summer Concert Series Bergenfield – Veterans Memorial Park – Weekly Summer Concerts Veterans Me

Congratulations to Jennifer Monahan 🎉 Jennifer will experience an unforgettable evening at The Brick House—the historic and elegant steakhouse known for its incredible food and timeless atmosphere. Jennifer will enjoy the perfect summer evening with amazing food, great company, and a cozy, elegant vibe! ​THANK YOU to everyone who entered our giveaway! Visit The Brick House The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave | Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.848.1211 The Brick House, a Wyckoff NJ res

Summer is an exciting time to play outside and be active all day long. The high heat of the day and lots of play time can lead to dehydration, especially for children and older adults. Remember that if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Before you reach for a Gatorade loaded with food dyes, here are our top hydration tips: Water! Make sure you have that reusable water bottle at your side at all times and remember to sip and refill at least 3-4 times a day. Acces

I know I'm not perfect, but... If I had a dollar for every time a parent said that to me, well, I'd have some real spending money. When you push yourself to be perfect (whatever that means), or even imply that you're not, you set yourself up to feel worse. Perfection is impossible to define and impossible to achieve. Could we please ban the word? Too many people are creating a negative mindset with that word. "I know I'm not perfect" says you're the opposite, and that it's a

Why Ridgewood Vacuum? Ridgewood Vacuum is known for exceptional service and long-standing customer relationships built over more than 25 years in the industry. The team is dedicated to helping customers make informed decisions that fit their homes, needs, and budgets. Ridgewood Vacuum works exclusively with top-tier manufacturers such as Miele and SEBO, brands recognized for their superior filtration, durability, and performance. With so much misinformation surrounding suctio

Kitchen Renovation, Edgewater, New Jersey A kitchen renovation is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make to your New Jersey home. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and whether you live in Bergen County, Essex, Union, Hudson, or Morris, an updated kitchen can transform the way you live and significantly boost your property’s value. This guide breaks down costs by trade, appliance, and finish level, explains soft costs and municipal permitting, and provides a sample

The perfect family vacation. Is there such a thing? You plan and plan, and then you plan some more. All the details are worked out. What could go wrong? Lots, actually, especially when you are tied to an ideal vision of what this vacation will look like. Parents have shared how disappointed they’ve been with their long-awaited vacation. A great deal of it revolved around the children: - The kids fought every day. - Why couldn’t they behave bette

It’s peach season and these abundant and juicy peaches are perfect for thumbs up Peach Donuts! Our scratch donuts are made with mashed peaches (making them an excellent source of vitamin C), and baked to perfection. If you don’t have a donut baking tray, make donut holes in muffins tins! Serve with fresh berries for an added immune booster! Ingredients: ¾ cup whole wheat flour ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tea

By Dr. Karen Hart One of the more common conversations I have with new patients begins with something like this: “My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and it made me want to be more on top of my own health.” Sometimes it's a parent, sometimes a sibling or a close friend. The impulse is understandable: A health event affecting someone close to us has a way of making us want clarity on our own health picture. In my experience, this is a genuinely useful startin

My youngest daughter graduated from college this spring. Like every parent sitting in those graduation seats, I couldn't have been prouder. But as I watched thousands of graduates toss their caps into the air, I had another thought: They're about to enter the real world, and many of them have never been taught the basics of managing money. They can solve calculus problems. They can write research papers. They can discuss world history. But many don't know: how to read a payc

It's time to celebrate our country's independence—and this year, the celebration is even more special as we begin honoring America's 250th anniversary! What better way to gather friends and family than with a festive Red, White & Blue party featuring delicious food, refreshing beverages, and patriotic desserts? What can you do for the Red, White + Blue Party? Here are some ideas... Of course, color coordinate! Invitations, decor and dress the part! Wear red, white and b

☀️ Smoothing Summer Special Beat the heat and humidity with Bali Salon's exclusive summer offer. Get perfectly smooth, frizz-free hair that lasts all season long. Keratin or Brazilian Blowout $250 (Originally $350-$375) Promotion ends July 31, 2026 *MUST mention "Bergen County Moms Promotion" upon booking in order to redeem the promotional price. Bali Salon 109 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ | 201.862.8886 Visit Bali Salon

If you’re a college student or young adult, summer can feel surprisingly heavy. Between the loss of routine, the "what am I doing with my life" thoughts, and the endless doom scrolling, it’s easy to feel directionless. Lukin Center is dedicated to continually expanding its reach in helping its clients on their journey to better days ahead. That's why they launched a brand-new summer DBT program for young adults, led by professional clinician Shoshana Levie, LCSW. This isn't j

Weekend Events June 26 - June 28, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. Farmers & Outdoor Markets Shop local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, crafts, and artisan products. The popular and family-friendly markets run Saturdays throughout the season and are always a popular family outing. Ramsey Farmers' Market Ridgewood Farmers Market (Opening weekend!) Franklin Lakes Farmers & Artisan Market Westwood Farmers

Need a summer date night? 💕 Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at The Brick House—a historic and elegant steakhouse known for its incredible food and timeless atmosphere. Enjoy the perfect summer evening with amazing food, great company, and a cozy, elegant vibe. Enter now for your chance to WIN $100 Visit The Brick House The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave | Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.848.1211 The Brick House, a Wyckoff NJ restaurant and event venue, has been a premier Bergen

First Time 15% Off Our Botox® Cosmetic & Juvederm® Pricing - Clear Costs for Every Treatment - ​ Botox: $14 per unit Botox: 1st time 15% off discounted price at $11.90 per unit Juvederm: $850 per syringe Juvederm: 1st time 15% off discounted price at $722.50 per syringe     ​​ Click Here to Schedule an Appointment Aesthetically Above 1124 E. Ridgewood Ave., Suite 104 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Visit Website

What do gremlins have to do with parenting and kids? A gremlin is something that holds you back from having, being or doing what you want in your life. It's a limiting belief, fear, or other emotion that keeps you stuck and prevents you from making progress with what you want to accomplish. That happens in parenting as well. If you have a belief about the world or that parenting is supposed to be difficult, it will affect your relationship with your kids and keep you and

Let your graduation party, Fourth of July celebration, backyard barbecue, or summer gathering be remembered for the memories—not the mosquito bites. Graduates should be celebrating their accomplishments, not reaching for bug spray, and your guests should be able to enjoy great food, fireworks, and time together without swatting away mosquitoes all evening long. Luckily, Mosquito Joe of Wayne offers special event mosquito treatments designed to help keep your outdoor celebrati

It's Father's Day weekend and that means grilling, and grilling means kabobs! Bright citrus flavors and fresh herbs make these shrimp kabobs a warm-weather classic that you’ll be sure to make year after year. The natural citrus juices are loaded with vitamins A and C to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Ingredients: 8 bamboo skewers 1½ cups water 1 cup jasmine rice 2 medium zucchini (10 ounces each) 2 medium yellow bell peppers 2 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon sea s

Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. A day remembering the end of slavery in Texas has spread across the whole U.S., with a larger meaning. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipa

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center If you are raising children today, chances are you have seen it firsthand. The child who suddenly doesn’t want to go to school. The teenager who seems overwhelmed by anxiety. The young child struggling with big emotions they cannot yet explain. The family trying to figure out whether if what they’re seeing is a phase, stress, or something that requires professional support. Children today are growing up in a world that can feel increasingly co

Spook Rock’s golf camps are designed for boys and girls between the ages of 6yrs – 16yrs.

On hot, steamy days, there is nothing more refreshing than an all-natural slushie! The only preparation required is to freeze the melons ahead of time into cubes or balls. This slushie gets its color naturally from vitamins A and C. Kids and grown-ups definitely agree on this delicious and nutritious melon slushie with a hint of mint and sweetness. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 cup watermelon, frozen 1 cup cantaloupe, frozen 1 cup honey dew melon, frozen 2 cups water (coconut water o

The book is coming! The book is coming! The release date is June 16. Here's the origin story. Spoiler alert: it's taken 13 years to birth this book and get it out into the world. Leashes, Lessons and Love — What Dogs Teach Us About Raiding Our Kids and Ourselves — is my first book and I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands. Six months after our first dog, Goldie, passed, and we said we couldn’t go through it again… well, you know how that goes. Kessie came into our ho

Kitchen Renovation, Edgewater, New Jersey Choosing the right renovation company in New Jersey can make or break your project. From permitting and project management to design and execution, the best renovation companies in the Garden State combine technical expertise with reliable service. In this guide, we highlight the top 5 renovation companies in New Jersey for 2026, starting with Chapter, a full-service design-build firm recently ranked among the top 3 contractors by Arc

Many women are surprised to learn that mental health and pelvic floor health are closely connected, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Anxiety, stress, and birth-related trauma can affect the body in ways that extend beyond emotional well-being, often contributing to physical symptoms that impact daily life. In these visuals, the Lukin Center explores the often-overlooked connection between pelvic floor health and mental well-being during pregnancy and pos

There are four words I hear from women constantly when it comes to money: “He handles all that.” The investments. The taxes. The retirement accounts. The insurance policies. And honestly? I get it. Life is busy. Between careers, kids, activities, aging parents, dinners, laundry and just surviving the week, someone naturally takes over the financial side of life. In many marriages, it becomes the husband. Until one day, something changes. Maybe it is divorce. Maybe illness. Ma

This recipe “stacks up” better than the traditional eggplant parm you’ll find on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant. We wanted to lighten up the old-school version, which can be very heavy and high in calories. We started by baking instead of frying the eggplant but still kept the crunchy texture by using panko breadcrumbs, reducing the extra calories and saturated fat. The result is a protein and fiber-packed side dish or main course, if you serve with a mixed gree

When Hope was born in 2015, I thought for sure that the world had Down syndrome all figured out. There was a reality show on A&E following seven young adults with DS who were thriving in Southern California. We had easy access to medical research and healthcare guidelines to ensure Hope would have the best start possible from the moment she took her first breath of air. She was treated with dignity through all of the interventions she required during her first few weeks of li

This June marks the 56th celebration of Pride Month -- a time when millions of people come together in support of the LGBTQ+ community by walking in parades and attending festivals. We are proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community this month and every day. To help kick off Pride Month, whether you're interested in watching or being a part of an event, here's a calendar of Pride events happening in New Jersey and around the world!

By Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti Arranging for a sports physical. Scheduling flu shots for the family. Making sure a sick child gets a same-day appointment with the pediatrician. Managing prescriptions and appointments for elderly parents. These are the tasks that usually fall on the woman of the house; she is the de-facto family scheduler and healthcare manager. I certainly know this firsthand from my own experience organizing the healthcare of my three sons, husband and aging pa

Pools open! It's that time of year for pool parties and celebrations! Although swimming remains one of the healthiest and safest forms of recreation today, the need for awareness about pool safety cannot be over-stressed. When people (especially children) come to a pool, a full explanation of pool rules should be given before any activity around the pool begins. This not only helps prevent accidents from occurring, but it helps you win the respect of your guests. Be sure t

Blueberries are a superfood! Blueberries are versatile fruit: great for fruit salads, grain salads, smoothies, and baked goods! But did you know that this delicious little fruit is also a superfood? Their deep blue color isn’t just pretty to look at. The color is a result of a high flavonoid content, which may help to preserve memory and is a powerful antioxidant. Blueberries also have a high water content, keeping your skin nicely hydrated. One cup of raw blueberries p

The instinct to correct. Sit with that for a while. When children make mistakes, the instinct to correct just appears. It is, after all, an instinct. It comes unbidden, without thought. To quote Star Trek, it comes from the brain’s “prime directive” — to protect and ensure survival. This leads to an often-uncontrollable need parents have: to teach to guide to prevent mistakes to help their child do better next time But there’s a small – and quite significant – step that of

Weekend Events May 29 - May 31, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. Duck, Duck, Doc Hosted by One Bergen Health 📍 Wild Duck Pond, Ridgewood, NJ Bring the whole family out for a fun afternoon! This family-friendly community event will feature kids activities, games, giveaways, refreshments, and interactive fun for all ages — plus a chance to connect with the physicians and specialists from One Bergen Health in a

☀️ Shop Summer at Van Riper Plaza ☀️ From sunny mornings to summer nights, Van Riper Plaza is your go-to destination for shopping, dining, beauty, wellness, and seasonal fun. Whether you're planning beach days, backyard gatherings, or simply refreshing your summer routine, everything you need is right here in one convenient spot. ✨ Discover your summer favorites: ✨ Whole Foods for grilling-ready favorites and healthy summer snacks ✨ Sephora for dewy summer beauty and SPF vaca

For Bergen County homeowners, whether longtime residents or new to the area, a successful renovation is about creating spaces that feel both elevated and livable: calmer, easier, more beautiful, and more thoughtfully tailored to the families who use them every day. Here’s what Ulrich experts say homeowners are prioritizing in 2026: 1. Warm, Timeless Kitchens Wellness-centered remodeling continues to be one of the strongest trends. The all-white or white-and-gray kitchen aesth

Did You Know Mosquito Joe Also Offers: ✔️ Granular Treatment ✔️ Deer Repellent ✔️ Home pest defense Their targeted treatments create a protective barrier around your home—so you can enjoy your yard and spend more time with your family! Less stress. Less pests. More time outside. Mosquito Joe of Wayne 973-435-0747 WEBSITE​ Mosquito Joe of Wayne provides pest control services for residential and commercial properties. From mosquito, flea + tick and spotted lanternfly treatment

Abandonment trauma shapes the way a person relates to themselves and others long after the original experience has passed. It develops when early or repeated experiences of being left — emotionally or physically — create lasting patterns of fear, anxiety, and relational difficulty. For many people, these patterns go unrecognized for years, quietly driving relationship instability, low self-worth, and chronic emotional pain. Key Takeaways It starts early but shows up later: Ab

Caprese Salad on a Stick